At which campus can I study this program?
Program Description
This 15 credit certificate will provide the core information and competencies for students interested in pursuing the field of child development. Students will be provided with a broad overview of the developmental processes underlying child and adolescent development. This certificate will be attractive to both psychology majors as well as adult students taking courses part time for career advancement. The certificate may also serve as the gateway to a minor or major in psychology. It is consistent with psychology program goals to develop clear career tracks for current students interested in the applied fields of psychology.
What is Child Development?
Child development is a broad field of study involving the physical, intellectual, psychological, and emotional progression of children and adolescents. The certificate in Child Development offers a wide overview of the processes underlying child and adolescent development and the influences of developmental contexts such as family, school, peers, and culture.
You Might Like This Program If...
- You enjoy working with children and adolescents and want to learn more about their physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development.
- You are interested in a career in human services, behavioral health, education, family services, policy and advocacy work, community programs, or child care.
- You want to pursue a career in education.
Program Requirements
To earn an undergraduate certificate in Child Development, a minimum of 15 credits is required.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| PSYCH 212 | Introduction to Developmental Psychology  | 3 |
| or HDFS 129 | Introduction to Human Development and Family Studies | |
| Select 6 credits of the following: | 6 | |
| Child Development | ||
| Adolescence | ||
| Child Psychopathology | ||
| Select 6 credits of the following: | 6 | |
| Learning and Instruction | ||
| Infant and Child Development | ||
| Introduction to Social Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Personality Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Cognitive Psychology | ||
| Cognitive Development | ||
| Social and Personality Development | ||
| Behavior Modification | ||
Certificate Learning Objectives
- Describe key concepts, basic principles, and overarching themes used in developmental psychology.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the major domains of development and the biological, psychological, cognitive, and social influences on development within these domains.
- Explain the differences between the major theories of cognitive development and learning.
- Understanding of developmental considerations that influence the diagnosis, behavioral manifestation, and treatment of childhood disorders.
Academic Advising
The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.
Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.
READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY
Erie
Charisse Nixon, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology
Federal House, 5343 Station Road
Erie, PA 16510
814-898-6041
cln5@psu.edu
Schuylkill
Academic Advising Office
Academic Affairs
200 University Drive
Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972
570-385-6111
sl-advising@psu.edu
Career Paths
The certificate in Child Development can be pursued by Penn State Behrend undergraduate students and as a stand-alone credential for nondegree students. It is useful for Psychology majors as well as for adult and traditional students interested in careers working with children and adolescents. Penn State Behrend has a comprehensive support system to help you identify and achieve your goals for college and beyond. Meet with your academic adviser often and take advantage of the services offered by the Academic and Career Planning Center beginning in your first semester.
Careers
Child development specialists work in day care centers, preschools, schools, social work agencies, hospitals, and health care clinics. They can be teachers, special education paraprofessionals, parent educators, educational consultants, child life specialists, clinicians, psychologists, researchers, or case managers.
Opportunities for Graduate Studies
Working with children and adolescents in a clinical or educational setting requires education beyond a bachelor’s degree. Penn State Behrend offers a Master of Arts degree program in Applied Clinical Psychology that includes optional preparation for the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATE STUDIES
Professional Resources
Contact
Erie
SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
170 Irvin Kochel Center
4951 College Drive
Erie, PA 16563
814-898-6108
HSSOffice@psu.edu
https://behrend.psu.edu/school-of-humanities-social-sciences
Schuylkill
ACADEMIC AFFAIRS, SOCIAL SCIENCES
200 University Drive
Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972
570-385-6083
aem141@psu.edu